arXiv subjects

C. Lazzaro

Publications and source records attributed to C. Lazzaro.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2021

The search of higher multipole radiation in gravitational waves from compact binary coalescences by a minimally-modelled pipeline

The coherent WaveBurst (cWB) pipeline implements a minimally-modelled search to find a coherent response in the network of gravitational wave detectors of the LIGO-Virgo Collaboration in the time-frequency domain. In this manuscript, we provide a timely introduction to an extension of the cWB analysis to detect spectral features beyond the main quadrupolar emission of gravitational waves during the inspiral phase of compact binary coalescences; more detailed discussion will be provided in a forthcoming paper [1]. The search is performed by defining specific regions in the time-frequency map to extract the energy of harmonics of main quadrupole mode in the inspiral phase. This method has already been used in the GW190814 discovery paper (Astrophys. J. Lett. 896 L44). Here we show the procedure to detect the (3, 3) multipole in GW190814 within the cWB framework. Keywords: gravitational waves, analysis, multipoles, compact binary coalescences

gr-qc↗

arXiv2021

Minimally-modeled search of higher multipole gravitational-wave radiation in compact binary coalescence

As the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo interferometers, soon to be joined by the KAGRA interferometer, increase their sensitivity, they detect an ever-larger number of gravitational waves with a significant presence of higher multipoles in addition to the dominant $(2, 2)$ multipole. These higher multipoles can be detected with different approaches, such as the minimally-modeled burst search methods, and here we discuss one such approach based on the coherent WaveBurst pipeline (cWB). During the inspiral phase the higher multipoles produce chirps whose instantaneous frequency is a multiple of the dominant (2, 2) multipole, and here we describe how cWB can be used to detect these spectral features. The search is performed within suitable regions of the time-frequency representation; their shape is determined by optimizing the Receiver Operating Characteristics. This novel method has already been used in the GW190814 discovery paper (Astrophys. J. Lett. 896 L44) and is very fast and flexible. Here we describe in full detail the procedure used to detect the (3,3) multipole in GW190814 as well as searches for other higher multipoles during the inspiral phase, and apply it to another event that displays higher multipoles, GW190412, replicating the results obtained with different methods. The procedure described here can be used for the fast analysis of higher multipoles and to support the findings obtained with the model-based Bayesian parameter estimates

gr-qc↗

arXiv2020

Coherent WaveBurst, a pipeline for unmodeled gravitational-wave data analysis

coherent WaveBurst (cWB) is a highly configurable pipeline designed to detect a broad range of gravitational-wave (GW) transients in the data of the worldwide network of GW detectors. The algorithmic core of cWB is a time-frequency analysis with the Wilson-Daubechies-Meyer wavelets aimed at the identification of GW events without prior knowledge of the signal waveform. cWB has been in active development since 2003 and it has been used to analyze all scientific data collected by the LIGO-Virgo detectors ever since. On September 14, 2015, the cWB low-latency search detected the first gravitational-wave event, GW150914, a merger of two black holes. In 2019, a public open-source version of cWB has been released with GPLv3 license.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2019

A wider look at the gravitational-wave transients from GWTC-1 using an unmodeled reconstruction method

In this paper, we investigate the morphology of the events from the GWTC-1 catalog of compact binary coalescences as reconstructed by a method based on coherent excess power: we use an open-source version of the coherent WaveBurst (cWB) analysis pipeline, which does not make use of waveform models. The coherent response of the LIGO-Virgo network of detectors is estimated by using loose bounds on the duration and bandwidth of the signal. This pipeline version reproduces the same results that are reported for cWB in recent publications by the LIGO and Virgo collaborations. In particular, the sky localization and waveform reconstruction are in a good agreement with those produced by methods which exploit the detailed theoretical knowledge of the expected waveform for compact binary coalescences. However, in some cases cWB also detects features in excess in well-localized regions of the time-frequency plane. Here we focus on such deviations and present the methods devised to assess their significance. Out of the eleven events reported in the GWTC-1, in two cases -- GW151012 and GW151226 -- cWB detects an excess of coherent energy after the merger ($Δt \simeq 0.2$ s and $\simeq 0.1$ s, respectively) with p-values that call for further investigations ($0.004$ and $0.03$, respectively), though they are not sufficient to exclude noise fluctuations. We discuss the morphological properties and plausible interpretations of these features. We believe that the methodology described in the paper shall be useful in future searches for compact binary coalescences.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2017

Enhancing the significance of gravitational wave bursts through signal classification

The quest to observe gravitational waves challenges our ability to discriminate signals from detector noise. This issue is especially relevant for transient gravitational waves searches with a robust eyes wide open approach, the so called all- sky burst searches. Here we show how signal classification methods inspired by broad astrophysical characteristics can be implemented in all-sky burst searches preserving their generality. In our case study, we apply a multivariate analyses based on artificial neural networks to classify waves emitted in compact binary coalescences. We enhance by orders of magnitude the significance of signals belonging to this broad astrophysical class against the noise background. Alternatively, at a given level of mis-classification of noise events, we can detect about 1/4 more of the total signal population. We also show that a more general strategy of signal classification can actually be performed, by testing the ability of artificial neural networks in discriminating different signal classes. The possible impact on future observations by the LIGO-Virgo network of detectors is discussed by analysing recoloured noise from previous LIGO-Virgo data with coherent WaveBurst, one of the flagship pipelines dedicated to all-sky searches for transient gravitational waves.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2016

Validating gravitational-wave detections: The Advanced LIGO hardware injection system

Hardware injections are simulated gravitational-wave signals added to the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO). The detectors' test masses are physically displaced by an actuator in order to simulate the effects of a gravitational wave. The simulated signal initiates a control-system response which mimics that of a true gravitational wave. This provides an end-to-end test of LIGO's ability to observe gravitational waves. The gravitational-wave analyses used to detect and characterize signals are exercised with hardware injections. By looking for discrepancies between the injected and recovered signals, we are able to characterize the performance of analyses and the coupling of instrumental subsystems to the detectors' output channels. This paper describes the hardware injection system and the recovery of injected signals representing binary black hole mergers, a stochastic gravitational wave background, spinning neutron stars, and sine-Gaussians.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2016

Method for detection and reconstruction of gravitational wave transients with networks of advanced detectors

We present a method for detection and reconstruction of the gravitational-wave (GW) transients with the networks of advanced detectors. Originally designed to search for transients with the initial GW detectors, it uses significantly improved algorithms, which enhances both the low-latency searches with rapid localization of GW events for the electro-magnetic followup and high confidence detection of a broad range of the transient GW sources. In the paper we present the analytic framework of the method. Following a short description of the core analysis algorithms, we introduce a novel approach to the reconstruction of the GW polarization from a pattern of detector responses to a GW signal. This polarization pattern is a unique signature of an arbitrary GW signal that can be measured independent from the other source parameters. The polarization measurements enable rapid reconstruction of the GW waveforms, sky localization and helps identification of the source origin.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2012

Measurement of the neutrino velocity with the OPERA detector in the CNGS beam using the 2012 dedicated data

In spring 2012 CERN provided two weeks of a short bunch proton beam dedicated to the neutrino velocity measurement over a distance of 730 km. The OPERA neutrino experiment at the underground Gran Sasso Laboratory used an upgraded setup compared to the 2011 measurements, improving the measurement time accuracy. An independent timing system based on the Resistive Plate Chambers was exploited providing a time accuracy of $\sim$1 ns. Neutrino and anti-neutrino contributions were separated using the information provided by the OPERA magnetic spectrometers. The new analysis profited from the precision geodesy measurements of the neutrino baseline and of the CNGS/LNGS clock synchronization. The neutrino arrival time with respect to the one computed assuming the speed of light in vacuum is found to be $δt_ν\equiv TOF_c - TOF_ν= (0.6 \pm 0.4\ (stat.) \pm 3.0\ (syst.))$ ns and $δt_{\barν} \equiv TOF_c - TOF_{\barν} = (1.7 \pm 1.4\ (stat.) \pm 3.1\ (syst.))$ ns for $ν_μ$ and $\barν_μ$, respectively. This corresponds to a limit on the muon neutrino velocity with respect to the speed of light of $-1.8 \times 10^{-6} < (v_ν-c)/c < 2.3 \times 10^{-6}$ at 90% C.L. This new measurement confirms with higher accuracy the revised OPERA result.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2012

Measurement of the neutrino velocity with the OPERA detector in the CNGS beam

The OPERA neutrino experiment at the underground Gran Sasso Laboratory has measured the velocity of neutrinos from the CERN CNGS beam over a baseline of about 730 km. The measurement is based on data taken by OPERA in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011. Dedicated upgrades of the CNGS timing system and of the OPERA detector, as well as a high precision geodesy campaign for the measurement of the neutrino baseline, allowed reaching comparable systematic and statistical accuracies. An arrival time of CNGS muon neutrinos with respect to the one computed assuming the speed of light in vacuum of (6.5 +/- 7.4(stat.)((+8.3)(-8.0)sys.))ns was measured corresponding to a relative difference of the muon neutrino velocity with respect to the speed of light (v-c)/c =(2.7 +/-3.1(stat.)((+3.4)(-3.3)(sys.))x10^(-6). The above result, obtained by comparing the time distributions of neutrino interactions and of protons hitting the CNGS target in 10.5 microseconds long extractions, was confirmed by a test performed at the end of 2011 using a short bunch beam allowing to measure the neutrino time of flight at the single interaction level.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2012

Performance of a 250L liquid Argon TPC for sub-GeV charged particle identification

We have constructed a liquid Argon TPC detector with fiducial mass of 150 kg as a part of the R&D program of the next generation neutrino and nucleon decay detector. This paper describes a study of particle identification performance of the detector using well-defined charged particles (pions, kaons, and protons) with momentum of ~800 MeV/$c$ obtained at J-PARC K1.1BR beamline.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2011

A tagged low-momentum kaon test-beam exposure with a 250L LAr TPC (J-PARC T32)

At the beginning of 2010, we presented at the J-PARC PAC an R$&$D program towards large (100 kton scale) liquid argon TPCs, suitable to investigate, in conjunction with the J-PARC neutrino beam, the possibility of CP violation in the neutrino sector and to search for nucleon decay. As a first step we proposed a test experiment to identify and measure charged kaons, including their decays, in liquid argon. The detector, a 250L LAr TPC, is exposed to charged kaons, in a momentum range of 540-800 MeV/c, in the K1.1BR beamline of the J-PARC slow extraction facility. This is especially important to estimate efficiency and background for nucleon decay searches in the charged kaon mode ($p \rightarrow \barν K^+$, etc.), where the kaon momentum is expected to be in the few hundred MeV/c range. A prototype setup has been exposed in the K1.1BR beamline in the fall of 2010. This paper describes the capabilities of the beamline, the construction and setting up of the detector prototype, along with some preliminary results.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2010

ArDM: a ton-scale LAr detector for direct Dark Matter searches

The Argon Dark Matter (ArDM-1t) experiment is a ton-scale liquid argon (LAr) double-phase time projection chamber designed for direct Dark Matter searches. Such a device allows to explore the low energy frontier in LAr with a charge imaging detector. The ionization charge is extracted from the liquid into the gas phase and there amplified by the use of a Large Electron Multiplier in order to reduce the detection threshold. Direct detection of the ionization charge with fine spatial granularity, combined with a measurement of the amplitude and time evolution of the associated primary scintillation light, provide powerful tools for the identification of WIMP interactions against the background due to electrons, photons and possibly neutrons if scattering more than once. A one ton LAr detector is presently installed on surface at CERN to fully test all functionalities and it will be soon moved to an underground location. We will emphasize here the lessons learned from such a device for the design of a large LAr TPC for neutrino oscillation, proton decay and astrophysical neutrinos searches.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2010

First results on light readout from the 1-ton ArDM liquid argon detector for dark matter searches

ArDM-1t is the prototype for a next generation WIMP detector measuring both the scintillation light and the ionization charge from nuclear recoils in a 1-ton liquid argon target. The goal is to reach a minimum recoil energy of 30\,keVr to detect recoiling nuclei. In this paper we describe the experimental concept and present results on the light detection system, tested for the first time in ArDM on the surface at CERN. With a preliminary and incomplete set of PMTs, the light yield at zero electric field is found to be between 0.3-0.5 phe/keVee depending on the position within the detector volume, confirming our expectations based on smaller detector setups.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2010

The ArDM experiment

The aim of the ArDM project is the development and operation of a one ton double-phase liquid argon detector for direct Dark Matter searches. The detector measures both the scintillation light and the ionization charge from ionizing radiation using two independent readout systems. This paper briefly describes the detector concept and presents preliminary results from the ArDM R&D program, including a 3 l prototype developed to test the charge readout system.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2010

Measurement of the atmospheric muon charge ratio with the OPERA detector

The OPERA detector at the Gran Sasso underground laboratory (LNGS) was used to measure the atmospheric muon charge ratio in the TeV energy region. We analyzed 403069 atmospheric muons corresponding to 113.4 days of livetime during the 2008 CNGS run. We computed separately the muon charge ratio for single and for multiple muon events in order to select different energy regions of the primary cosmic ray spectrum and to test the charge ratio dependence on the primary composition. The measured charge ratio values were corrected taking into account the charge-misidentification errors. Data have also been grouped in five bins of the "vertical surface energy". A fit to a simplified model of muon production in the atmosphere allowed the determination of the pion and kaon charge ratios weighted by the cosmic ray energy spectrum.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2009

Giant Liquid Argon Observatory for Proton Decay, Neutrino Astrophysics and CP-violation in the Lepton Sector (GLACIER)

GLACIER (Giant Liquid Argon Charge Imaging ExpeRiment) is a large underground observatory for proton decay search, neutrino astrophysics and CP-violation studies in the lepton sector. Possible underground sites are studied within the FP7 LAGUNA project (Europe) and along the JPARC neutrino beam in collaboration with KEK (Japan). The concept is scalable to very large masses.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2009

Development of wavelength shifter coated reflectors for the ArDM argon dark matter detector

To optimise the design of the light readout in the ArDM 1-ton liquid argon dark matter detector, a range of reflector and WLS coating combinations were investigated in several small setups, where argon scintillation light was generated by radioactive sources in gas at normal temperature and pressure and shifted into the blue region by tetraphenyl butadiene (TPB). Various thicknesses of TPB were deposited by spraying and vacuum evaporation onto specular 3M{\small\texttrademark}-foil and diffuse Tetratex{\small\textregistered} (TTX) substrates. Light yields of each reflector and TPB coating combination were compared. Reflection coefficients of TPB coated reflectors were independently measured using a spectroradiometer in a wavelength range between 200 and 650 nm. WLS coating on the PMT window was also studied. These measurements were used to define the parameters of the light reflectors of the ArDM experiment. Fifteen large $120\times 25$ cm$^2$ TTX sheets were coated and assembled in the detector. Measurements in argon gas are reported providing good evidence of fulfilling the light collection requirements of the experiment.

physics.ins-det↗